Health and Fitness : Lifeline screenings set for Feb. 19 in Vinton

First Christian Church will host Life Line Screening, to help local residents identify their risk of stroke, vascular disease and osteoporosis. The event is open to local residents and will be held on Wednesday, Feb.19

Provided screenings will include:

Carotid Artery Screening – painless, non-invasive Doppler ultrasound is used to visualize the carotid arteries, the arteries that bring blood to the brain. The majority of strokes are caused by plaque build up in these arteries.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening –Ultrasound is used to visualize the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, to measure the diameter of the aorta. This measurement can indicate if there is a weakening in the aortic wall which can cause a ballooning effect known as an aneurysm. Aneurysms can burst, which generally is fatal.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening – PAD is also known as “hardening of the arteries.” Sufferers have a 4-6 fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Risk is evaluated through a measurement called the “Ankle-Brachial Index,” which is obtained by reading the systolic pressure in the ankle and arm.

Osteoporosis Screening – Ultrasound is used to estimate the bone density of the heel. This can indicate if there is a reduction in bone density, which may indicate the presence of osteoporosis. The heel is used because it is similar in composition to the hip, where disabling fractures often occur.

Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) that affects the atria - the upper chambers of the heart - and is the most common form of sustained arrhythmia. 2.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and for those over age 40, there is a 1 in 4 chance of developing the condition.

Pre-registration must be made by contacting Life Line Screening at www.lifelinescreening.com or call 1-800-324-9458 to make an appointment. Packages start at $139.